This paper proposes a new tracking state estimator aimed at following some of the dynamics of the network state (bus voltage phasors) by a hybrid processing of SCADA and synchronized phasor measurements ... [more ▼]

This paper proposes a new tracking state estimator aimed at following some of the dynamics of the network state (bus voltage phasors) by a hybrid processing of SCADA and synchronized phasor measurements. The latter are assumed to be available in limited number. To avoid time skew effects, only the SCADA measurements received since the last execution of the estimator are processed. To ensure observability, estimated SCADA measurements are used as pseudo-measurements. The procedure includes a prediction, an innovation analysis and a correction step. The latter consists of solving a constrained least-squares optimization. The simulation results refer to a test system undergoing large disturbances, evolving to long-term voltage instability or stabilized by emergency control. The proposed method appears to satisfactorily track the overall network evolution, even during those severe conditions. [less ▲]

In this paper, the overvoltage problems that might arise from the integration of photovoltaic panels into low-voltage distribution networks is addressed. A distributed scheme is proposed that adjusts the ... [more ▼]

In this paper, the overvoltage problems that might arise from the integration of photovoltaic panels into low-voltage distribution networks is addressed. A distributed scheme is proposed that adjusts the reactive and active power output of inverters to prevent or alleviate such problems. The proposed scheme is model-free and makes use of limited communication between the controllers, in the form of a distress signal, only during emergency conditions. It prioritizes the use of reactive power, while active power curtailment is performed only as a last resort. The behavior of the scheme is studied using dynamic simulations on a single low-voltage feeder and on a larger network composed of 14 low-voltage feeders. Its performance is compared to a centralized scheme based on the solution of an Optimal Power Flow problem, whose objective function is to minimize the active power curtailment. The proposed scheme successfully mitigates overvoltage situations due to high photovoltaic penetration and performs almost as well as the Optimal Power Flow based solution with significantly less information and communication requirements. [less ▲]

While Rudolf, the abbot of Sint-Truiden (1108-1138) was forced to abandon his monastery in 1121 after having opposed the claim to power of the future prince-bishop of Liège, Alexandre I (1128-1135), both ... [more ▼]

While Rudolf, the abbot of Sint-Truiden (1108-1138) was forced to abandon his monastery in 1121 after having opposed the claim to power of the future prince-bishop of Liège, Alexandre I (1128-1135), both men hastily set out for Rome on the eve of 1129, in order to meet Pope Honorius the Second. The Gesta abbatum Trudonensium have preserved this colorful account of the perilous circumstances under which they crossed the Great St. Bernard Pass together in full winter. Starting from this particular anecdote, the document, which recounts the evolving personal relationship between the bishop of Liège, Alexandre I and abbot Rudolf of Sint-Truiden, returns to the circumstances surrounding this surprising rapprochement, which came to pass against all expectations. It seeks to demonstrate that Rudolf of Sint-Truiden’s motivations to accompany his former enemy to Italy were political rather than spiritual. [less ▲]

Aim : Phylogeographical signatures of past population fragmentation and demographic change have been reported in several African rain forest trees. These signatures have usually been interpreted in the ... [more ▼]

Aim : Phylogeographical signatures of past population fragmentation and demographic change have been reported in several African rain forest trees. These signatures have usually been interpreted in the light of the Pleistocene forest refuge hypothesis, although dating these events has remained impracticable because of inadequate genetic markers. We assess the timing of interspecific and intraspecific genetic differentiation and demographic changes within two rain forest Erythrophleum tree species (Fabaceae: Caesalpinioideae). Location : Tropical forests of Upper Guinea (West Africa) and Lower Guinea (Atlantic Central Africa). Methods : Six single-copy nuclear genes were used to characterize the phylogeographical patterns of the parapatric sister species Erythrophleum suaveolens (characteristic of semi-deciduous or gallery forests) and Erythrophleum ivorense (characteristic of evergreen forests). The number of gene pools within each species was determined and the timings of their divergence and past demographic changes were estimated using Bayesian-based coalescent approaches. Results : Three geographically separated gene pools were identified within E. suaveolens, and a single gene pool was inferred in E. ivorense. All gene pools show signatures of demographic bottlenecks concomitant with the last glacial period (c. 120–12 ka). Species-tree inferences show that the two species diverged c. 600 ka, whereas the divergence between E. suaveolens gene pools was dated to the late Pleistocene (first divergence c. 120 ka, second c. 60 ka). Main conclusions : (1) Molecular dating of demographic changes of two African tropical forest tree species is consistent with the Pleistocene forest refuge hypothesis. (2) Tree species from Guinean evergreen tropical forests might have been less affected by past climate change than semi-deciduous species. (3) Our phylogeographical data support a recent date (Holocene) of the last opening of the Dahomey Gap. [less ▲]

Fish introduction is one of the main causes of amphibian decline worldwide. It affects particularly rare aquatic phenotypes such as paedomorphs, which retain gills during the adult stage. In this context ... [more ▼]

Fish introduction is one of the main causes of amphibian decline worldwide. It affects particularly rare aquatic phenotypes such as paedomorphs, which retain gills during the adult stage. In this context, we determined whether small wetlands, such as pools surrounding fished and fishless lakes, could sustain paedomorphic and metamorphic newts. To this end, we surveyed lakes known historically to sustain Alpine newts (Ichthyosaura alpestris) as well as 35 nearby pools. On the basis of the published records, the only known population exhibiting paedomorphosis in the Swiss Alps was found to be extirpated by salmonid introductions. However, the metamorphs persisted in peripheral pools, paedomorphosis was discovered at a new locality, and overwintering larvae were still present in one of the lakes. These results show the importance of conserving varied aquatic habitats such as pools in mountainous environments where the main resources can become unsuitable for amphibians because of fish introductions. Pools may also function as reservoirs in maintaining newt populations until programs to remove fish from lakes can be carried out. It is not known if paedomorphs could reappear after fish removal. However, the combined resilience of amphibians after fish removal and the genetic basis for paedomorphosis highlighted in other taxa by previous studies suggest that there is the potential to maintain this intraspecific case of diversity even after its disappearance. [less ▲]

Poly(2-dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (PDMAEMA) is an attractive polycation frequently proposed as a non-viral vector for gene therapy. As expected for other cationic carriers, intravenous ... [more ▼]

Poly(2-dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (PDMAEMA) is an attractive polycation frequently proposed as a non-viral vector for gene therapy. As expected for other cationic carriers, intravenous administration of PDMAEMA can result in its ionic complexation with various negatively charged domains found within the blood. To gain more insight into this polycation hemoreactivity, we followed the binding kinetics of a free form (FF) of fluorescein labelled PDMAEMA (below 15 kDa) in normal human blood using flow cytometry. This in vitro study highlighted that platelets display higher affinity for this polycation compared to red blood cells (RBCs), with an adsorption isotherm characteristics of a specific saturable binding site. PDMAEMA (1-20μg/mL) exerted a concentration dependent proaggregant effect with a biphasic aggregation of washed platelets. Activation of platelets was also noticed in whole blood with the expression of P-selectin and fibrinogen on platelet surface. Although additional studies would be needed in order to elucidate the mechanism of PDMAEMA mediated activation of platelets, our manuscript provides important information on the hemoreactivity of FF PDMAEMA. [less ▲]